From Fashion to Financial Fitness: Monique Gagné on The Power of Financial Happiness

What do fashion design, mortgage lending, and financial coaching have in common?

In Monique Gagné’s case, everything. In this powerful episode of the RichLife Retirement Show, host Beau Henderson welcomes Monique, author of Who Took My Money? and Alex’s Dream With Money, to explore how life experiences and foundational money lessons shaped her mission to empower others through financial literacy and emotional clarity.

Monique’s journey is anything but ordinary. After starting her career in fashion design, life threw her a financial curveball: a divorce at age 40 left her starting over with little more than the clothes she owned. But thanks to money values instilled by her father, who taught her to always earn before spending, Monique rebuilt her financial life and created a program called The Power of Financial Happiness.

So what exactly is financial happiness? According to Monique, it’s the peace and joy that come from using money as a tool to live intentionally, not to accumulate things, but to build memories and foster meaningful relationships.

Beau and Monique align beautifully in their shared philosophy: true wealth isn’t about numbers in a bank account. It’s about three things—memories, relationships, and health. When people don’t understand the purpose of money or fall prey to emotional spending, they often end up in unnecessary debt or financial stress.

In her book, Monique outlines a practical seven-step framework:

1. Awareness – Know where your money is going.

2. Emotional Insight – Understand the feelings driving your spending.

3. Mindset Shift – Reframe thoughts like “I’m not good with money.”

4. Goal Setting – Define what financial happiness looks like for you.

5. Budget Creation – Think of a budget as your personal GPS.

6. Accountability – Track progress and stay committed.

7. Action & Mentorship – Act on your plan, then help someone else.

The episode isn’t just about inspiration — it’s filled with real tools.

Monique’s 30-Day Debt-Free Challenge, available on her website, has helped countless families break the cycle of debt through habit-building and mindset change.

Whether you’re in a rebuilding phase or preparing for retirement, her approach is refreshingly simple and grounded.

Beau echoes the message: retirement planning must account for more than just financial growth.

You need conversations about long-term care, tax strategies, healthcare costs, and emotional readiness. Without addressing these, the best-laid financial plans can fall apart.

For listeners looking for clarity and confidence in their financial journey, Monique’s insights are a beacon. Her message is clear: with proactive planning and a little coaching, anyone can move from financial confusion to financial happiness.